Yeah, but FX has all but cancelled 'The Riches' which was a much richer Drama. I miss 'Dirt; too but SoA is better. I just wish FX had the balls to announced they killed the Riches and left us hanging.

Wow...really? "The Riches", despite the terrific performance from lead actor Eddie Izzard, was even more unwatchable IMHO, than "Dirt". I particularly blame the shrieking, bizarre acting performance from Minnie Driver.

The Riches had a great premise, a great pilot, but proceeded to just wander off into the darkness.

I'm excited Sons of Anarchy was renewed; hopefully they'll add Hurst and Grayden to the regular cast. That scene last week where Hurst asks his daughter if she wants to do the balloon toss really ripped my heart out.

This pisses me off to no freaking end Alan. I am so enraged beyond words at this. I'm sure Sons of Anarchy is a fine show but for them to treat Damages like crap is beyond the pale. I know Damages isn't a favorite of yours but it did win massive critical acclaim from your colleagues, was nominated for best drama, and brought home two Emmies for them with Zeljko Ivanek and Glenn Close. For them to show utter contempt by not bringing Damages back at the same time as The Shield is unforgivable in my mind Alan. Damages should be given the red carpet treatment. Instead they're burned and made to wait in favor of Sons of Anarchy. Ridiculous.

Whoa, calm down, anonymous. "Damages" wouldn't have been ready to air yet. "Sons of Anarchy" was already in development before the strike began, I believe, so there were scripts in the pipeline and ready to shoot, where the "Damages" producers wanted more time.

Trust me: FX recognizes that "Damages" is its post-"Shield" flagship show. The renewal of "Sons of Anarchy," let alone the scheduling of this first season, is in no way a reflection on that.

Excellent news! I think F/X has done a fantastic job of bringing quality shows to TV (The Shield - Rescue Me - Damages), and SOA has all the makings of a show that continue that tradition and possibly move to the next level. For thos eof us who miss THE WIRE terribly and are ready to mourn the passing of THE SHIELD, SOA is a worthy successor.